12 Coffee Orders Baristas Secretly Judge

The art of ordering coffee is more complex than it may initially appear, with your choice potentially revealing more about you than you might realize. As coffee drinking continues to be a growing trend, understanding the subtle nuances of your order can help you navigate the coffee culture with ease and sophistication.

This list is based on observations, expert interviews, and surveys conducted with baristas around the world. It aims to shed light on the coffee orders that often raise eyebrows and elicit silent judgement from these coffee-making professionals. From the overly complicated orders to the overly simple, this list will delve into the drinks that are most likely to get you secretly judged at the coffee shop.

1. Decaf, Soy Milk, Extra Foam Latte

The decaf, soy milk, extra foam latte is the epitome of a ‘fussy’ coffee order. This drink is often ordered by those who want to enjoy a latte without the caffeine and lactose. Yet, it’s the ‘extra foam’ request that can make this order seem pretentious and unnecessarily complicated, especially during a busy morning rush.

With more people opting for plant-based diets or dealing with lactose intolerance, the inclusion of soy milk is becoming increasingly common. However, according to The Guardian, the combination of decaf coffee and soy milk can be challenging for baristas to get right, especially when extra foam is added to the mix.

2. Half-Caf, Half-Decaf

The half-caff, half-decaf order is another that might raise a few barista eyebrows. This order suggests a desire for a bit of a caffeine kick but without the full force of a regular espresso. This order is often associated with those who are sensitive to caffeine or are trying to reduce their intake.

While this order has been around for a while, it’s becoming more prevalent as people become more health-conscious and aware of their caffeine consumption. According to a report by Harvard Health Publishing, reducing caffeine can have significant health benefits, including improved sleep and reduced anxiety.

3. Non-Fat Cappuccino

A non-fat cappuccino can seem contradictory to some baristas. The traditional cappuccino is known for its equal parts of espresso, steamed milk, and foam, with the milk’s fat content adding to its overall richness and flavor. Asking for a non-fat version can therefore seem like you’re missing the point of this classic Italian drink.

However, as The American Heart Association suggests, reducing saturated fat intake can help lower blood cholesterol levels. This makes the non-fat cappuccino a more health-conscious choice, despite its divergence from the traditional recipe.

4. Wet or Dry Cappuccino

Ordering a ‘wet’ or ‘dry’ cappuccino can be seen as a sign of coffee snobbery. These terms refer to the amount of milk foam in the drink, with ‘wet’ meaning more steamed milk and less foam, and ‘dry’ meaning the opposite. While these variations do allow for a more personalized coffee experience, they can also come off as unnecessarily fussy.

Despite this, the demand for personalized coffee orders is on the rise. According to a study by Mintel, 39% of coffee drinkers prefer to have their coffee prepared a specific way, highlighting the growing trend towards coffee customization.

5. Iced Coffee in the Middle of Winter

Ordering an iced coffee in the middle of winter can seem odd to some baristas. This cold beverage, typically enjoyed in the heat of summer, seems out of place in the colder months. People who order this drink year-round are often viewed as being out of touch with the seasons.

However, iced coffee’s popularity is not limited to the summer months. As reported by BBC News, iced coffee sales have been steadily increasing, even during winter, reflecting a shift in coffee-drinking trends.

6. Espresso Over Ice

An espresso over ice order can be a red flag for baristas. This is because it’s often a way for customers to create a DIY iced latte at a lower cost, by adding their own milk to the iced espresso. It’s seen as a way to ‘cheat’ the system, which can cause some annoyance among baristas.

Despite the controversy, the desire for iced coffee drinks, including iced espresso, continues to grow. According to the National Coffee Association, the popularity of these drinks has risen significantly over the past few years, reflecting changing consumer preferences.

7. Overly Sweetened Coffee

Overly sweetened coffee orders, such as those with extra syrups or sugar, can be secretly judged by baristas. This is because they can mask the natural flavors of the coffee, turning a nuanced beverage into what essentially amounts to a dessert.

However, according to a report by Business Insider, the preference for sweet coffee drinks is a cultural norm in the U.S., where these drinks are seen as a treat rather than a daily necessity.

8. Small Coffee in a Large Cup

Ordering a small coffee in a large cup is another order that might draw judgement. This order is often used by those who want extra room for milk or cream. However, it can be seen as an attempt to get more coffee than you’re paying for, which can rub baristas the wrong way.

Yet, according to a study by the University of Chicago Press, people tend to underestimate the volume of larger containers. This suggests that this order might simply be a result of a common perceptual bias, rather than an attempt to cheat the system.

9. Overcomplicated Orders

Overcomplicated orders, such as a half-caf, almond milk latte with two pumps of vanilla, an extra shot, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, can be a source of annoyance for baristas. These orders not only take longer to prepare but can also disrupt the flow of service during busy periods. People who consistently order such drinks are often seen as high-maintenance customers.

Yet, as reported by Reuters, coffee customization is a growing trend in the U.S., with consumers increasingly seeking to tailor their coffee to their specific tastes.

10. Coffee with ‘Room for Cream’

The ‘room for cream’ request can be another point of contention. While it’s a common order, it can be seen as an indication that the customer doesn’t truly appreciate the taste of coffee, as they’re planning to dilute it with cream. It’s often associated with those who prefer their coffee on the milder side.

However, adding cream to coffee is a long-standing tradition in many cultures, and according to NCBI, it can even enhance certain flavors in the coffee. This suggests that the ‘room for cream’ request may simply be a matter of personal preference rather than an affront to coffee culture.